With the difficult past day of running behind, the somewhat rejuvenated band of ten made some good noise today. Vasu Duzhiy increased his lead to nearly 85 miles with a solid 67. 5 miles. Late in the evening Vasu reached 2000 miles for the sixth time in his career. Women's leader Kaneenika Janakova reached 65.3 miles to extend her women's lead. Next woman Harita Davies reached 62.0144, her best day since Day 1, and in the process took back two precious miles to move within eight of level. Third woman, the walker Yolanda Holder followed a sub par day with a fabulous 68.05 miles of fast walking, taking back over eight miles of treasure lost the day before. She still has a chance to get to level, since 22 days remain. Her focus and skill are amazing to watch. She would have been the Day Leader by one lap if not for the forgotten man- Ananda-Lahari Zuscin. This gentle soul ripped off five minute laps for hours and hours. As the sun set he was still moving comfortably, and quick as ever. A few minutes after 11:00 pm (23:00), he stopped, having conquered 147 laps- 80.6736 miles (129.832km). These athletes, after so many days and laps are still putting up numbers!

So it goes at the race that keeps on surprising.

Vasu Duzhiy-2000 miles- 29 days+17:48:42

Nirbhasa Magee-3000km- 29+03:12:15

Kaneenika Janakova-3000km- 29+11:34:34

Yolanda Holder-1700 miles- 29+02:12:00

Race Director's updates

The top three were just that today- the only ones to reach 60 miles and beyond. Vasu has an 81 mile lead over Nirbhasa Magee, who is back to his normal self. A stomach bug hampered him for a few days but the bug has run its course. Not so for a few other runners, who had near devastating results today, but are still hopeful of progress. Harita Davies, Yolanda Holder and Nidhruvi Zimmerman all were feeling ill, worn-out and rundown- who would not be after thousands of laps around the same concrete colosssus. But hope springs eternal in this race- as long as there is another day. Actually 23 more days remain. Let's hope they can muster the physical and psychic energy to move forward yet again.

Vasu Duzhiy-1900 miles-28+08:41:57

Nirbhasa Magee-1800 miles- 28+02:46:40

Kaneenika Janakova-1800 miles- 28+11:28:01

Sergey Kuzmin-1600 miles-28+13:31:00

Andrey Andreev-1600 miles- 28+16:55:44

Nidhruvi Zimmerman-1500 miles-28+01:52:50

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Sport and Meditation

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Race Director's updates

Four weeks in and the only runners to pass 60 miles today were Vasy Duzhiy and Kaneenika Janakova. Vasu was strong to the finish with 63.66 miles, whilst Kaneenika padded her lead on the distaff side with 62.56 miles. She is third overall, but the two chaps ahead of her are well aware of her prowess. Three and a half weeks still await the 10 runners. As of right now six are on pace to finish within the 52 day limit. They have all fought the battles necessary to survive, but to finish can sometimes be a mirage in the desert- right there, and then, it disappears in an instant. Heat, higher temperatures, humidity indexes rising, sudden winds and thunderstorms -change everyone's plans. Not to mention stomach and GI issues. But the poise necessary to finish this race is undoubtedly a real reality. We always tell them' Never Give Up, Never Give Up." One never knows what experiences await the journey, and the pilot of the journey. Good Luck to all the runners

Vasu Duzhiy-3000km- 27+16:32:10

Kaneenika Janakova-1700 miles-27+00:49:41

Sergey Kuzmin-1550 miles-27+12:15:22; 2500 km-27+13:54:28

Andrey Andreev-1550 miles-27+16:05:10; 2500 km-27+16:59:32

Race Director's updates

Kaneenika Janakova was overall Day leader in mileage today, running between the raindrops and the spit and mist of a summer transition day. She tallied 61.46, the only person to cross the 60 mile threshold. Two days of heat and humidity had weakened the first three fellows in the field, but the ladies responded well to the cooler temps and hidden sun. Harita Davies reclaimed fifth place with the slimmest margin of one lap better than Yolanda Holder. Both ladies continue to impress with their consistently solid performances. Tomorrow (Saturday) is the last day of Week Four. These two women, plus Kaneenika, continue to impress, as the weeks slowly move along. Watch out fellas, someone is(are) gaining on you.

Vasu Duzhiy-1800 miles-26 days+16:25:32

Nirbhasa Magee-1700 miles-26+05:54:19

Harita Davies-1600 miles-26+13:05:30

Yolanda Holder-1600 miles-26+13:44:49

Sergey Kuzmin-1500 miles-26+14:02:30

Andrey Andreev-1500 miles-26+17:49:43

Nidhruvi Zimmerman-1400 miles-26+03:13:31

Race Director's updates

One of the warmest, stickiest days of the race was today, as the mercury was hovering in the low 90's with ever-increasing humidity. Yet, hydrating as well as possible and being wary of the intense sun, the group of ten proceeded to finish the day as two storms failed to touch the course and the temps dropped quickly to the mid to low 70's. Vasu Duzhiy was the first to crack 1700 miles, and won day honors with an admirable 64.7 miles. Kaneenika Janakova again led the ladies charge with 62.01 miles, and Smarana Puntigam did one better with 62.5. The tightest performances were fron Yolanda Holder and Harita Davies, however, as they again mirrored the other's efforts, reaching 1500 miles five minutes apart (Yolanda leading); 1550 miles-(4:42 apart-Harita leading); and 2500 km( Harita again). Yet, with both athletes churning and demanding more energy from their tired frames, the two ladies reached the days end tied again in mileage, Yolanda getting to the line one second ahead. And this is just Day 26. More later...

Vasu Duzhiy-1700 miles-25+04:02:00

Kaneenika Janakova-1600 miles-25+07:16:22

Yolanda Holder-1500 miles-25+00:55:37; 1550 miles-25+16:13:20; 2500km-25+17:13:01

Harita Davies-1500 miles-25+01:00:10; 1550 miles-25+16:08:38; 2500km-25+17:04:48

Andrey Andreev-1400 miles-25+01:37:00

Ananda-Lahari Zuscin-1300 miles-25+08:38:10

Race Director's updates

It was a warm day today, with temperatures in the low 90ºs, higher humidity, and at times, a blazing sun. The runners survived another day of high-mileage and lowered expectations. Heat is a huge adversary to a multiday runner. The consequences of heat exposure and exhaustion are dire if not deadly, so going a little slower and taking all sorts of liquids, salt, as well as potassium and magnesium are essential. The runners did well today to protect themselves from over-exertion, as well as getting overseer experience from a doctor, a certified nurse and one of the best chiropractors in our city- as well as a lot of ice cream! Only three made it past sixty miles today. Kaneenika Janakova did well enough today to lead the Day with 61.46 miles. She passed the halfway mark for the third time in her running career as well. Nirbhasa Magee is still doing well and is literally a day and a half ahead of his pace from 2015. One more day of high heat and humidity will give way to a day of showers and finally, more breathable air, as the summer continues. Stay cool, friends.

Kaneenika Janakova- 1550 miles-24 days+11:01:20; 2500 km-24+11:52:19

Sergey Kuzmin- 1400 miles-24+10:42;23

Ananda-Lahari Zuscin-2000km- 24+05:17:00

The protaganist in today's saga/episode/journey of Day 24 was Ananda-Lahari Zuscin, who sprinted away from the field as if this was an all-out 20km or marathon. Maybe he was hoping that others would take the spark and ignite their inner child of speed. He had accumulated 70 laps by 1:00pm( hour 7) of the race, but as the heat and humidity mounted, sensibility appeared and he walked a little. Eventually he would reach 60.9 miles, the goal for most of the runners on a daily basis. Vasu Duzhiy outlasted everyone by staying late again, reaching 65.3 miles- another Day Leader. Nirbhasa Magee continued to excel as each and every milestone has become a stepping stone for a new personal best at each longer distance.

Vasu Duzhiy-1600 miles-23+12:21:17

Nirbhasa Magee-1550 miles-23+15:52:46; 2500 km-23+16:41:53

Kaneenika Janakova-1500 miles-23+14:52:46

Harita Davies-1400 miles-23+06:50:09

Yolanda Holder-1400 miles-23+06:54:17

Race Director's updates

Ananda-Lahari Zuscin sprinted out to a fast pace for a sticky humid day, and after 7 hours had accumulated 70 laps. More sensible running prevailed later, as the air thickened and a thunderstorm washed the course clean. Vasu Duzhiy remained solid throughout and eventually led Day honors with 65.3 miles. Nirbhasa Magee continued his fine run with a 64.7 mile day, reaching the halfway point nearly a day behind the leader. Ananda-Lahari finished with 60.9 miles, his first foray into triple digit laps in nine days. Harita Davies and Yolanda Holder continued their friendly jousting, staying just four minutes apart at the 1400 mile mark. The final tally was an identical 59.81 miles-each.

Vasu Duzhiy-1600 miles-23 days+12:21:17

Nirbhasa Magee-1550 miles-23+15:49:08; 2500km-23+16:41:53

Kaneenika Janakova-1500 miles-23+14:52:46

Harita Davies-1400 miles-23+06:50:09

Yolanda Holder-1400 miles-23+06:54:17

Race Director's updates

Vasu Duzhiy was the first runner to reach the half-way point-1550 miles- and seems to be the strongest. He is over 62 miles ahead of second placer Nirbhasa Magee, who, ironically is running the race of his life. Nirbhasa is ahead of his total for 23 days, from 2015, by 121 miles, and is in very good shape, both physically and mentally. Yolanda Holder is surprising everyone with her tremendous walking style, and subtle speed as she easily matches the speed of several of the runners. She is currently in fifth place overall, and second lady.

Vasu Duzhiy-1500 miles- 22 days+03:34:14; 1550 miles(halfway- 22+16:29:57; 2500 km- 22+17:17:05

Kaneenika Janakova-1400 miles- 22+03:17:33

Smarana Puntigam- 1400 miles- 22+10:48:56

Sergey Kuzmin- 1300 miles-22+08:54:08

Andrey Andreev- 1300 miles-22+16:28:22

Race Director's updates

The day started out sunny, breezy, with cool temperatures for July- below 70º F, and stayed near 80º for a few hours. The result was a few good to better performances from the group of Ten. Vasu Duzhiy(68.6 miles) keeps extending his lead- now over 56 miles- and Nirbhasa Magee (65.8 miles) seems to be getting better, and even a little faster. The most remarkable thing was that all ten stayed nearly to midnight, their goals reached, or not. The sidewalks were packed with families and kids heading home as the runners sought the needed laps. The evening was splendid, with a full moon and clear skies. Harita Davies and Yolanda Holder stayed within minutes of each other, the fifth place still Yolanda's by a scant two laps as time expired. Sergey Kuzmin rebounded from mediocrity to a fine 63.66 miles, his hopes of finishing still on life-support but looking a little better. Good air brings hope. Runners thrive on the quality like a tasty treat at the aid station.

Harita Davies- 1300 miles-21 days+12:49:15

Yolanda Holder- 1300 miles-21 days+12:58:12

Sergey Kuzmin-2000km-21 days+08:56:56

Andrey Andreev-2000km-21 days+16:23:22

Race Director's updates

Nirbhasa Magee took Day honors with his precise 64.75 mile day. He scraped both knees in a fall earlier in the evening, but maybe that gave him the extra adrenaline impetus to eck out the honor. The top four runners were able to pass the 60 mile mark again, but the most interesting story is mid-pack, as first-timers Harita Davies and Yolanda Holder waged a nip and tuck excursion for fifth place on the leaderboard. Yolanda was two laps in arrears of Harita to start the day, yet finished four ahead, moving into fifth place by a scant mile. This small competition will probably help both ladies to stay on the course and build the necessary cushion, leading to the hope of hope- a finish. All ten athletes stayed until at least 11:45 pm before finishing their day. Three weeks have passed, and all are still moving. Will someone else emerge to test their fitness again? Stay tuned.

Vasu Duzhiy-1400 miles- 20 days+13:07:02

Kaneenika Janakova-1300 miles- 20+10:27:54

Smarana Puntigam-2000km- 20+01:14:47; 1300 miles- 20+17:48:50

Yolanda Holder-2000km- 20+13:38:33

Harita Davies-2000km- 20+13:52:09

Race Director's updates

This was one of 'those days', this 20th day of the 3100 mile race. It rained for three hours in the morning, flooding sidewalks and causing mayhem with blisters and wet shoes. The hardy runners stayed out on the course, knowing full well their efforts would be compromised by Ma Nature and her own inventions. Only four runners made it to 60 miles and beyond, with a three -way tie at the top with 64.21 miles: Vasu Duzhiy, Smarana Puntigam, and Kaneenika Janakova- the latter was fastest to the line and a quick ride home. Nirbhasa Magee continued his fine efforts, passing his own best 2000 km split by nearly 25 hours. The rains came again in the evening, dampening already soggy runners and their shoes, until just before midnight the skies cleared.

Vasu Duzhiy-1300 miles- 19 days+02:20:13

Nirbhasa Magee-2000km- 19 days+01:19:00; 1300 miles- 19+17:32:40

Kaneenika Janakova-2000km - 19 days+12:07:25

Race Director's updates

The difficulty of this race was apparent today, as 10 fit athletes meandered along the 3100 Mile race course. Four runners made it past 60 miles. Injuries have popped up to strike mostly the first-time athletes. The temperatures were moderate for much of the day and evening. Vasu Duzhiy continued his dominance of the race, reaching 65.3 miles. He went past the 2000km mark for the sixth time in his career. Kaneenika Janakova is continuing her fine run with 64.2 miles. She is nearly a full day ahead of Harita Davies and Yolanda Holder. They are determined to grab the fifth -place scoreboard slot. A flimsy three laps separates their efforts so far.

Vasu Duzhiy- 2000kn-18 days+04:18:20

Nidhruvi Zimmerman-1000 miles- 18 days+07:07:59

Race Director's updates

It might have been the celebrations and fireworks from the Fourth of July, or the copius amounts of food consumed all day, but the runners had a tough day today, in terms of overall mileage. Shin splints and sore muscles affected a few, or just plain cabin fever made runners and helpers a little jumpy today. Vasu Duzhiy, as expected, put up 68 miles to lead all competitors- no distractions could stop him. However, only four people made it past 60 miles. Kaneenika Janakova again shined with 64.7 miles for second best overall total. Yolanda Holder recorded her 11th straight day with at least the minimum required total to finish. Nirbhasa Magee and Smarana Puntigam has identical 63.6 mile days. And crowd favorite Andrey Andreev reached 1000 miles for the first time in his running career.

Andrey Andreev- 1000 miles- 17 days+07:05:17

Race Director's updates

It was an unpredictable day, this Independence Day. The morning was cool with clouds and a threat of rain, which gave way to a hot sun, temps in the high eighties. The runners embraced the holiday atmosphere, but soon realized, that another day of hard work- trying to run 60 or more miles- lay ahead. Vasu Duzhiy continued to dominate late, running well amidst the bursts of rockets and fireworks close to the course that meanders past ball fields and a playground that borders the race site. He garnered 67.5 miles, and overall is averaging a tidy 68+ miles per day. Kaneenika Janakova continued her brilliance with 65.3 miles. She leads the other women by 40 miles and is reaching peak fitness. Smarana Puntigam passed 1000 miles for the eighth time in his long running career. Sergey Kuzmin reached 1000 miles for the first time, as did two other female competitors- Harita Davies of New Zealand and Yolanda Holder, the prodigious walker from California. Six runners in all topped sixty miles, with two others reaching the minimum tally of 109 laps- 59.81 miles- needed to average for at least a finish on the last day. The first seven athletes have all gone over 1000 miles. Will this translate to a finish in the race- is the question of questions. Good luck to all and may there be Peace, Liberty, and Justice for all.

Smarana Puntigam-1000 miles- 16 days+03:13:41

Sergey Kuzmin- 1000 miles- 16 days+07:03:16

Harita Davies- 1000 miles- 16 days+08:23:10

Yolanda Holder- 1000 miles- 16 days+11:42:58

Race Director's updates

It was hot and sunny today, the heat index was rising, and the mercury approached 92º as our ten runners continued on their journey. Vasu Duzhiy copped the Day leader with 66.95 miles, followed by Kaneenika Janakova with 65.3 miles and Nirbhasa Magee with 64.2. Nirbhasa went through his 1000 mile split over 11 hours faster than his effort in 2015. Kaneenika slipped past the 1000 mile mark for the fourth time, and second fastest of her four 1000 mile tests. She seems to be gaining strength and speed after 16 days on the hard surface. Sergey Kuzmin has 12 consecutive days of good performances that have bolstered his confidence and determination to do more.

Nirbhasa Magee- 1000 miles- 15 days+04:23:10

Kaneenika Janakova-1000 miles- 15 days+16:49:31

Andrey Andreev-900 miles-15 days+13:25:00

Race Director's updates

Vasu Duzhiy led the group of ten through their paces as summer arrived at the 3100 Mile Race. With temperatures flirting with 92ºF and the humidity index rising a little, the strong-willed Russian ran 66.4 miles today, including passing the 1000 mile mark for the sixth time in his career. Nirbhasa Magee in second place held on to reach 65.3 miles. Kaneenika Janakova once again led the ladies with 64.7 miles and kept her hold on third place overall. Sergey Kuzmin moved up a place to fifth overall with a 63.11 mile effort, his 11th straight quality day. In all, five runners slipped past 60 miles, with two others reaching enough mileage to remain in the plus column of total mileage for the day.

Vasu Duzhiy- 1000 miles- 14 days+11:56:41

Kaneenika Janakova- 900 miles- 14 days+06:48:00

Smarana Puntigam- 900 miles- 14 days+10:16:49

Sergey Kuzmin- 900 miles- 14 days+14:51:28

Harita Davies- 900 miles- 14 days+14:58:17

Yolanda Holder- 900 miles- 14 days+17:25:10

Nidrhuvi Zimmerman- 800 miles- 14 days+ 11:11:00

In the Media

About the author:

Rupantar has been the race director of the Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team since 1985, having been asked by Sri Chinmoy to serve in that capacity. As well as working on the big races the US Marathon Team organise each year - the 3100 Mile Race and the Six and 10 Day Race - he also spends a considerable amount of time archiving the Marathon Team's 40 year history on this website.

Excerpt from the on-line story by Theresa Juva-Brown

"Each summer in Queens, N.Y., a bland stretch of sidewalk becomes the setting for a mind-boggling endurance challenge.

"With little fanfare, a small group of ultrarunners from around the world compete in the Sri Chinmoy Self-Transcendence 3,100 Mile Race, the world's longest certified footrace.

"The 3,100 Mile Race is not for everyone," says Sahishnu Szczesiul, one of the race directors. "It is difficult, tiring, boring and a supreme challenge all rolled into one thing.

"For 52 consecutive days from mid-June to early August, runners spend 18 hours a day plodding along on a half-mile course, as they aim to average an astounding 60 miles a day. "

for more on the 2017 Sri Chinmoy Self-Transcendence 3,100-Mile Race

Race Director's updates

Nine of ten runners made it past 60 miles today, with two men reaching past the 70-mile barrier. Vasu Duzhiy made it past 70 miles for the second time in three days with 70.79 miles. Kaneenika Janakova increased her lead over the other three women with another sterling 64.75 miles. Harita Davies ran her best since the first day with 61.46 miles. Sergey Kuzmin made it three straight 65.8- mile days, followed by the 'Walking Diva' Yolanda Holder with her best day of the race at 62.56 miles. However, the best performance of the day, the Day Leader award, and the best total in this 3100 mile race of 2017- with 138 laps - 75.73 miles - went to Ananda-Lahari Zuscin of Slovakia. Everyone knows this quiet and unassuming young man has multi-day talent, but it is rare he ever displays it without the planets and stars aligning properly, which appears to have happened today. The unusually cool evening was punctuated with a brief rainstorm, followed by a spectacular rainbow in the southern sky. Maybe Mr. Zuscin had a hand in that display as well, but it was worth the price of admission to see both displays on the same day, in the same race.

Vasu Duzhiy-900 miles-13+03:10:20; 1500km-13+11:44:07

Nirbhasa Magee-900 miles-13+12:29:55

Harita Davies-800 miles- 13+02:59:40

Sergey Kuzmin-800 miles-13+04:06:00

Yolanda Holder-800 miles-13+06:00:00

Andrey Andreev-800 miles-13+16:40:41

In the Media

About the author:

screen_shot_2017-07-22_at_2.34.41_pm.png Excerpt from Norwegian Airlines in-flight magazine N By Norwegin, QnA, June 2017:

"Very few people have ever finished New York's 5,000km, eight-week-long Self-Transcendence Race, which really pushes runners to the limit.

"If a jog around the block sounds like sufficient exercise to you, spare a thought for a group of runners in New York who, this June, will lap the same block in Queens more than 100 times a day for eight weeks, in an attempt to clock up 3,100 miles (4,989km).

"The Self-Transcendence 3,100 Mile Race - founded in 1997 by spiritual leader Sri Chinmoy, who believed sport could enhance spirituality - is the world's longest foot race and undoubtably one of the most gruelling. Taking place entirely along concrete pavement and with limited views (a high school, a playground and baseball field), the race takes place from 6am till midnight every day, and runners cover at least 96km a day for 52 days.

"The have a mindset where they don't think about the distance. They just think, 'How many laps do I have to do today?' and break it down that way,' says associate race director Sahishnu Szczesiul. 'The runners don't think of it as a mental challenge, rather as an oportunity to do something for their spiritual lives."

for more on the 2017 Sri Chinmoy Self-Transcendence 3,100-Mile Race